1. Introduction – What is Cysticercosis?
Tissue infection caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium
Flat, segmented worm
Life cycle
Egg
Larva
Adult, produces more eggs

2. Morphology

3. Mode of Infection

4. Economic Repercussions

5. Clinical Diagnosis Blood tests to detect antibodies to the parasite
Biopsy of the affected area
CT scan, MRI scan, or x-rays to detect the lesion
Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
Inspection of the fundus of the eye

6. Clinical Diagnosis - Immunoblot

7. Clinical Signs and Symptoms

8. Epidemiology

9. Treatment General Treatment: praziquantel and oxfendazole
Neurocysticercosis
Anticonvulsant medications
Anti parasitic treatment with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and lower risk of seizures
Dead cysts calcify
Surgical Removal of cysts
Vaccinating pigs: Three peptide vaccine (S3PVac)

10. Affiliated Groups
More info on their work

11. Recent Studies

12. Porcine Vaccination Efforts
Vaccination is projected expensive and time-consuming
Oral-based options more economically viable
Farmers don’t have to inject each pig individually
Vaccination of pigs could reduce loss of income from pigs getting infected with cysticercosis